While the world “data” can seem a little technical, it’s essential to the functioning of modern technology, and much of it is in your pocket and on your desk. All the content that you create and store on your computer and smartphone counts as data, and if you’re not properly organised and prepared, then it could be at risk.

Data includes your family photos from holidays and birthdays, crucial spreadsheets outlining your household budget and any work that you’ve done on your home computer. Losing all of this and more could cause major headaches and heartache, so it’s wise to take steps to prevent data loss from occurring by using one or more methods.

How does data get lost?

For many people, data loss often happens when their computers fail. Sometimes, the internal memory is wiped, and at other times, data loss takes place when a computer or phone suffers a hardware problem and technicians have to wipe it while fixing the issue.

Data loss can also occur due to human error. Pressing the wrong set of buttons and clearing all data happens more than many people might think, and the common disasters of spilling a drink over a machine or dropping it also cause losses.

These days, there is a new threat to data: ransomware attacks, such as the one that hit the NHS earlier this year, sees malicious hackers place software on your computer and threaten to wipe all your data unless a sum of money – the “ransom” – is paid. If you don’t have a backup in place, then this threat can really cause you concern.

Prevention is the best cure

As the saying goes, “be prepared” when it comes to data loss. Planning in advance to deal with the consequences of losing your data is essential, and carrying out regular backups is perhaps the most convenient option. Fortunately, carrying out backups of your data is simple and doesn’t require much effort.

With some modern operating systems, such as Mac OS, you’re able to use inbuilt software functions such as Time Machine to back up your data to the cloud. If you don’t have this option available, then don’t worry. You can use external software services such as Dropbox, and you can also invest in a piece of kit, such as an external hard drive, USB stick or Mini SD card, that does the job for you.

Slightly more people (38%) back up to external items than the 30% who use the cloud. However, while external services are definitely useful in preventing data loss, you’ll have to be disciplined in doing your backups to realise their full potential. They are also more vulnerable to getting lost or stolen, so you should take good care of them.

A final essential tip for safe data protection is to stay one step ahead of external threats such as ransomware. Changing your passwords regularly, not leaving yourself logged in on public computers and analysing all incoming emails thoroughly to check if they are valid are all good ideas to prevent data loss from occurring.

Worst-case scenario

While regular backups mean that you can simply download or transfer your files once a wiped or broken device is fixed, they don’t always work – and sometimes, they never even take place to begin with.

This is where data recovery services come into play. By going back over your devices and using expert techniques to find repositories of information, data recovery practitioners bring hope to those who have lost everything and need a helping hand. Firms such as Fields Data Recovery have become popular among people who are desperate to get their documents, photographs and information back and can’t see any other way to do it. By scanning the hidden corners of hard drives and knowing all the right places to look, data recovery providers can give their best shot at finding your lost information.

Ultimately, by being organised and staying on top of your data, it’s clear that you can implement an effective backup system designed to give you a strong chance of getting your files back if the worst does happen. However, when that doesn’t work, it’s always reassuring to know that there are other options out there such as data recovery.

When it comes to your photos, videos and communications, don’t risk your precious data. Put a backup system in place or speak to a data recovery consultant to protect your tech devices for the future.